ST0213, hairdressing professional level 2

This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.

What is an end-point assessment and why it happens

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.

Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.

The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.

The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

EPA gateway

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

• achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules

• for the professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence , you must submit a portfolio of evidence

• passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard

For the hairdressing professional, the qualification required is:

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Hairdressing 603/1379/1

TQUK Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) (RQF) 603/3101/X

VTCT - Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) 603/1323/7

Assessment methods

Multiple-choice test

You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.

The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete it.

Practical assessment with questions

You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 5.5 hours. They will ask you at least 3 questions.

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 35 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.

The EPAO will confirm where and when each assessment method will take place.

Who to contact for help or more information

You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.

You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.

You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.

Reasonable adjustments

If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.

This document explains the requirements for end-point assessment (EPA) for the hairdressing professional apprenticeship. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) must follow this when designing and delivering the EPA.

Hairdressing professional apprentices, their employers and training providers should read this document.

An approved EPAO must conduct the EPA for this apprenticeship. Employers must select an approved EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of end-point assessment organisations (RoEPAO).

A full-time apprentice typically spends 24 months on-programme (this means in training before the gateway) working towards competence as a hairdressing professional. All apprentices must spend at least 12 months on-programme. All apprentices must complete the required amount of off-the-job training specified by the apprenticeship funding rules.

This EPA has 3 assessment methods.

The grades available for each assessment method are:

Assessment method 1 - knowledge test:

• fail

• pass

Assessment method 2 - practical assessment:

• fail

• pass

• distinction

Assessment method 3 - professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence :

• fail

• pass

• distinction

The result from each assessment method is combined to decide the overall apprenticeship grade. The following grades are available for the apprenticeship:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

The EPA will be taken within the EPA period. The EPA period begins when the EPAO confirms the gateway requirements are met and is typically 3 months.

The expectation is that the EPAO will confirm the gateway requirements are met and the EPA begins as quickly as possible.

The apprentice’s employer must confirm that they think their apprentice is working at or above the occupational standard. The apprentice will then enter the gateway. The employer may take advice from the apprentice's training provider(s), but the employer must make the decision.

The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements before starting their EPA.

These are:

• achieved English and maths qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
• achieved one of the qualifications listed below

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals - Hairdressing 603/1379/1

TQUK Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) (RQF) 603/3101/X

VTCT - Level 2 Diploma for Hair Professionals (Hairdressing) 603/1323/7

• for the professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence the apprentice must submit Portfolio of evidence

Portfolio of evidence requirements:

The apprentice must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship. It should only contain evidence related to the KSBs that will be assessed by this assessment method. It will typically contain 10 discrete pieces of evidence. Evidence must be mapped against the KSBs. Evidence may be used to demonstrate more than one KSB; a qualitative as opposed to quantitative approach is suggested.

Evidence sources may include:

• workplace documentation and records, for example:
• workplace policies and procedures
• witness statements
• annotated photographs
• video clips (maximum total duration 10 minutes); the apprentice must be in view and identifiable

This is not a definitive list; other evidence sources can be included.

The portfolio of evidence should not include reflective accounts or any methods of self-assessment. Any employer contributions should focus on direct observation of performance (for example, witness statements) rather than opinions. The evidence provided should be valid and attributable to the apprentice; the portfolio of evidence should contain a statement from the employer and apprentice confirming this.

The EPAO should not assess the portfolio of evidence directly as it underpins the discussion. The independent assessor should review the portfolio of evidence to prepare questions for the discussion. They are not required to provide feedback after this review.

The apprentice must submit any policies and procedures as requested by the EPAO.

The assessment methods can be delivered in any order.

The rationale is that this is the choice of the employer, apprentice and training provider, this could vary depending on the circumstances.

Overview

In the test, the apprentice answers questions in a controlled and invigilated environment. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.

Rationale

The rationale for this assessment method is:

• it is an accurate way to test the apprentice’s underpinning knowledge that may not naturally occur in other assessment methods.
• this method confirms competency against health and safety requirements which is essential to this occupation
• it allows for efficient testing of knowledge where there is a right or wrong answer
• it allows for flexibility in terms of when, where and how it is taken
• it allows larger volumes of apprentices to be assessed at one time.

Delivery

The test must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

The knowledge test can be computer or paper based.

The knowledge test must consist of 40 multiple-choice questions.

Multiple-choice questions must have four options, including one correct answer.

The apprentice must be given at least 14 days notice of the date and time of the knowledge test.

Test administration

The apprentice must have 60 minutes to complete the test.

The knowledge test is closed book which means that the apprentice cannot refer to reference books or materials whilst taking the test.

The knowledge test must be taken in the presence of an invigilator under the responsibility of the EPAO.

The EPAO must have an invigilation policy setting out how the knowledge test must be conducted. It must state the ratio of apprentices to invigilators for the setting and allow the test to take place in a secure way.

The EPAO is responsible for the security of the knowledge test including the arrangements for on-line testing. The EPAO must ensure that their security arrangements maintain the validity and reliability of the knowledge test.

Marking

The knowledge test must be marked by an independent assessor or marker employed by the EPAO. They must follow a marking scheme produced by the EPAO. Marking by computer is allowed where question type supports this.

A correct answer gets 1 mark.

Any incorrect or missing answers get zero marks.

The EPAO is responsible for overseeing the marking of the knowledge test. The EPAO must ensure standardisation and moderation of knowledge test.

Assessment location

The apprentice must take the knowledge test in a suitably controlled and invigilated environment that is a quiet room, free from distractions and influence. The EPAO must check the venue is suitable.

The knowledge test may take place remotely if the appropriate technology and systems are in place to prevent malpractice. The EPAO must ensure invigilation of the apprentice for example with, and not limited to, 360-degree cameras and screen sharing facilities.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the knowledge test:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • test specification
  • sample test and mark schemes
  • live tests and mark schemes
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

Overview

In a practical assessment with questions, an independent assessor observes the apprentice completing a task or series of tasks set by the EPAO. The EPAO decides where it takes place. The assessment environment must be in a real work environment that closely relates to the apprentice’s natural working environment. This allows the apprentice to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. 

Rationale

This assessment method is being used because:

• the occupation involves practical activity best assessed through practical assessment.
• this is a practical role, best demonstrated through completing tasks on clients in a real working environment or a salon.
• questioning allows for the assessment of the breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge against the grading descriptors, which may not naturally occur as part of the assessment.
• this is a holistic assessment of the KSB, on live clients, with differing requirements, hair classifications and characteristics.

Delivery

The practical assessment must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the practical assessment using holistic assessment of the KSBs. The independent assessor must observe the apprentice working on at least 2 clients during the practical assessment.

The independent assessor must only observe a maximum of five apprentices at a time to ensure quality and rigour. They must be as unobtrusive as possible.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the . practical assessment

The practical assessment must take 5.5 hours.

The independent assessor can increase the time of the practical assessment by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to complete a task or respond to a question if necessary.

The practical assessment cannot be split, other than for comfort breaks or to allow apprentices to move from one location to another. Where breaks occur, they will not count towards the total EPA time.

EPAOs must manage invigilation of the apprentice during the assessment, to maintain security of the EPA, in line with their malpractice policy. This includes breaks and moving between locations during the working day.

The independent assessor must explain to the apprentice the format and timescales of the practical assessment before it starts. This does not count towards the assessment time.

The independent assessor must observe the following during the practical assessment.

Any form of simulation is not permitted during the practical assessment.

The practical assessment can be completed on any hair classification.

During the practical assessment the apprentice will be assessed on the following when performing services on at least 2 different clients.

Theme: Ways of working – legal and organisation

• follow all health and safety legislation
• follow environmental and sustainable working practices

Theme: Client care / customer service

• a consultation for a colour
• an evaluation of the colour service
• provide aftercare advice following the colouring service

The services to be performed are detailed below:

Theme: Technical - Shampoo, condition hair

• shampoo and condition the hair and scalp selecting the correct products and massage techniques for the hair classification and characteristic

Theme: Technical - Styling and finishing hair

• styling and finishing hair using a round brush and finger drying
• set and dress the hair
• use a minimum of two styling and finishing products

Theme: Technical - Cut and restyle hair (two clients)

• restyle hair to create a personalised short or medium (above the shoulder) length hair cut, changing the shape, length and style of the hair
• a hair cut

Use a minimum of six different cutting techniques from the list below when completing the haircuts:

• club cutting
• precision cutting
• scissor over comb
• clipper over comb
• texturizing
• disconnection
• layering
• razor cutting
• graduation
• freehand

Theme: Technical - colouring and lightening hair

• complete a colouring and lightening service on one client using a minimum of two products and techniques to change the colour (depth and tone) of the hair
• woven highlights using either foils or wraps to the root on a minimum 30% of the hair (this could include a T-section of the head or scattered throughout the hair) using either a high lift colour or lightening product (high lift tint or pre lightener) achieving at least two levels of lift
• application of another colouring product either a quasi-permanent, demi-permanent or permanent colour) to change the tone of the hair

These activities provide the apprentice with the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.

The independent assessor must ask questions. The purpose of the questions is to clarify further, any elements of a KSB, so as to allow the candidate to demonstrate their full comprehension of the theme being performed.

Questioning can occur during the practical assessment. The time for questions asked during the practical assessment is included in the overall assessment time.

Independent assessors must ask at least 3 questions during the practical assessment. To remain as unobtrusive as possible, the independent assessor should ask questions during natural breaks in work rather than disrupting the apprentice’s flow. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor can ask follow-up questions to clarify answers given by the apprentice. These questions are in addition to the above set number of questions for the practical assessment and should be kept to a minimum.

The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the KSBs observed
• The apprentice’s answers to questions
• KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The practical assessment and responses to questions must be assessed holistically by the independent assessor when they are deciding the grade. 

Assessment location

The practical assessment will take place in a real work, or a salon environment selected by the EPAO (for example the provider's or employer’s premises). The simulated environment must relate to the apprentice’s natural work environment and must conform to current health and safety legislation and local bye laws and legislation. The range of services, professional products, tools, materials and equipment (hairdressing chair, shampooing station) must be current and available for use, be familiar to the apprentice and be in good working order. Equipment and resources needed for the practical assessment must be provided by the EPAO, employer, or provider.

The location, tools, products and equipment must meet the requirements of a real work environment and must be agreed by all stakeholders.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that the apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the practical assessment:

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

Overview

In the discussion, an independent assessor and apprentice have a formal two-way conversation.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence. It gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate their competency across the KSBs mapped to this EPA method.

Rationale

As clear and effective communication is a fundamental part of hairdressing services, as well as being competent in their practical skills, a hairdressing professional must be able to hold a conversation and demonstrate they can convey their option and knowledge on a number of subjects. The professional discussion will enable the independent assessor to assess how confidently the apprentice articulates the KSB covered. The grading criteria has been written to ensure the independent assessor can clearly distinguish the level of communication and understanding of the apprentice.

It is cost effective, as it may be conducted on the day of the practical observation with questions (time permitting) or remotely, therefore potentially reducing travelling time.

Delivery

The professional discussion must be structured to give the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate the KSBs mapped to this assessment method to the highest available grade.

An independent assessor must conduct and assess the professional discussion.

The purpose of the independent assessor's questions will be to draw out contextualised examples, further clarify skills demonstrated in a portfolio of evidence or be used to ask scenario based questions.

The EPAO must give an apprentice 14 days notice of the professional discussion.

The independent assessor must have at least 14 days to review the supporting documentation.

The apprentice must have access to their portfolio of evidence during the professional discussion.

The apprentice can refer to and illustrate their answers with evidence from their portfolio of evidence however the portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed.

The professional discussion must last for 35 minutes. The independent assessor can increase the time of the professional discussion by up to 10%. This time is to allow the apprentice to respond to a question if necessary.

The independent assessor must ask at least 6 questions. Follow-up questions are allowed where clarification is required. The independent assessor must use the questions from their EPAO’s question bank or create their own questions in-line with the EPAO’s training.

The independent assessor must make the grading decision. The independent assessor must keep accurate records of the assessment. They must record:

• the apprentice’s answers to questions
• the KSBs demonstrated in answers to questions
• the grade achieved 

Assessment location

The professional discussion must take place in a suitable venue selected by the EPAO (for example the EPAO’s or employer’s premises).

The professional discussion can be conducted by video conferencing. The EPAO must have processes in place to verify the identity of the apprentice and ensure the apprentice is not being aided.

The professional discussion should take place in a quiet room, free from distractions and influence.

Question and resource development

The EPAO must develop a purpose-built assessment specification and question bank. It is recommended this is done in consultation with employers of this occupation. The EPAO should maintain the security and confidentiality of EPA materials when consulting employers. The assessment specification and question bank must be reviewed at least once a year to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose.  

The assessment specification must be relevant to the occupation and demonstrate how to assess the KSBs mapped to this assessment method. The EPAO must ensure that questions are refined and developed to a high standard. The questions must be unpredictable. A question bank of sufficient size will support this.

The EPAO must ensure that apprentice has a different set of questions in the case of re-sits or re-takes.

The EPAO must produce the following materials to support the professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence :

• independent assessor assessment materials which include:
  • training materials
  • administration materials
  • moderation and standardisation materials
  • guidance materials
  • grading guidance
  • question bank
• EPA guidance for the apprentice and the employer

The EPAO must ensure that the EPA materials are subject to quality assurance procedures including standardisation, training, and moderation.

The EPA methods contribute equally to the overall EPA grade.

Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of:

• fail

• pass

• merit

• distinction

Independent assessors must individually grade the: practical assessment, professional discussion and underpinned by a portfolio of evidence according to the requirements set out in this EPA plan.

EPAOs must combine the individual assessment method grades to determine the overall EPA grade.

Apprentices who fail one or more assessment method will be awarded an overall EPA fail.

Apprentices must achieve at least a pass in all the EPA methods to get an overall pass. To achieve an overall EPA ‘merit,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in the knowledge test and a distinction in the practical assessment.To achieve an overall EPA ‘distinction,’ the apprentice must achieve a pass in the knowledge test and distinctions in the both the professional discussion and the practical assessment.

Grades from individual assessment methods should be combined in the following way to determine the grade of the EPA as a whole.

Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method(s) can take a re-sit or a re-take at the employer’s discretion. The apprentice’s employer needs to agree that a re-sit or re-take is appropriate. A re-sit does not need further learning, whereas a re-take does.

Apprentices should have a supportive action plan to prepare for a re-sit or a re-take.

The employer and EPAO agree the timescale for a re-sit or re-take. A re-sit is typically taken within 2 months of the EPA outcome notification. The timescale for a re-take is dependent on how much re-training is required and is typically taken within 3 months of the EPA outcome notification.

Failed EPA methods must be re-sat or re-taken within a 6-month period from the EPA outcome notification, otherwise the entire EPA will need to be re-sat or re-taken in full.

Re-sits and re-takes are not offered to apprentices wishing to move from pass to a higher grade.

An apprentice will get a maximum EPA grade of pass for a re-sit or re-take, unless the EPAO determines there are exceptional circumstances.

The EPAO must have reasonable adjustments arrangements for the EPA.

This should include:

• how an apprentice qualifies for reasonable adjustment
• what reasonable adjustments may be made

Adjustments must maintain the validity, reliability and integrity of the EPA as outlined in this EPA plan.

Internal quality assurance refers to how EPAOs ensure valid, consistent and reliable EPA decisions. EPAOs must adhere to the requirements within the roles and responsibilities section and:

• have effective and rigorous quality assurance systems and procedures that ensure fair, reliable and consistent EPA regardless of employer, place, time or independent assessor
• appoint independent assessors who are competent to deliver the EPA and who:
  • have recent relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 3 gained in the last 5 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector
• operate induction training for anyone involved in the delivery and/or assessment of the EPA
• provide training for independent assessors in good assessment practice, operating the assessment tools and making grading decisions
• provide ongoing training for markers and invigilators
• provide standardisation activity for this apprenticeship standard for all independent assessors:
  • before they conduct an EPA for the first time
  • if the EPA is updated
  • periodically as appropriate (a minimum of annually)
• conduct effective moderation of EPA decisions and grades
• conduct appeals where required, according to the EPAO’s appeals procedure, reviewing and making final decisions on EPA decisions and grades
• have no direct connection with the apprentice, their employer or training provider. In all instances, including when the EPAO is the training provider (for example a higher education institution)

Affordability of the EPA will be aided by using at least some of the following:

• completing applicable assessment methods online (for example computer-based assessment)

• utilising digital remote platforms to conduct applicable assessment methods

• assessing multiple apprentices simultaneously where the method of assessment permits this

• using the employer’s premises

• conducting assessment methods on the same day

Professional body recognition is not relevant to this occupational apprenticeship.